Victims’ Rights & Restorative Justice

The Delaware Center for Justice supports policies and practices that strengthen victims and rebuild communities. DCJ believes in the power of restorative justice practices and that the victims’ voices must be a key part of the criminal justice process.

When a crime is committed against an individual the stress, anxiety, and fear can stay with the victim for many years after the initial incident. Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior through a cooperative process that engages all involved parties. DCJ understands that many individuals who cause harm frequently have themselves been victimized in the past. DCJ recognizes this cyclical nature of victimization, and supports policies that address root causes of crime.

DCJ believes that government and nonprofits should coordinate with each other and within communities to assure that comprehensive services are available to respond to the needs of crime victims and to ensure that crime victims are treated with fairness, respect and dignity – free from intimidation and further harm throughout the justice process. Specifically, DCJ believes in victim-offender mediation, victim assistance, ex-offender assistance, and programs which assist with restitution and community service.

Forgiveness and healing are natural parts of the criminal justice system and must inform our policies and practices. We believe having trauma-informed and trained first responders, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges will help move this process forward.

To learn more about specific reform activities pertaining to victims’ rights and restorative justice, please refer to DCJ’s Advocacy Agenda and subscribe to our email list for pertinent action alerts and updates.

Delaware Center for Justice

The Delaware Center for Justice, Inc. is the leading non-profit organization in Delaware committed to transforming the quality of justice through advocacy, policy, and practice.